Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a stunning, world-record move for Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni as the club intensifies plans to future-proof its defence.
The Reds made defensive reinforcement a priority last summer and came close to landing Marc Guehi after agreeing personal terms with the England international. A £35 million fee was also accepted by Crystal Palace, but the deal ultimately collapsed when the London club failed to secure a replacement. Despite that setback, Liverpool have not cooled their interest and remain hopeful of revisiting a move for Guehi in 2026, even with Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich also monitoring his situation. Barcelona, however, are believed to be out of the race.
With Virgil van Dijk continuing to perform at an elite level but now entering the latter stages of his career at 34, Liverpool’s recruitment team are carefully planning for the next generation of leaders at the back. Alongside identifying a long-term successor to Van Dijk, the club is also pushing to secure Ibrahima Konaté on a new contract, aiming to put an end to persistent speculation linking the French defender with Real Madrid.
According to reports from Spanish outlet Fichajes, Fenway Sports Group are now giving serious consideration to Bastoni as an alternative option. The report claims Liverpool could be willing to submit an eye-watering €95 million offer, around £83 million, to tempt Inter Milan into a sale. If such a move were completed, Bastoni would become the most expensive defender in football history, surpassing previous records set by Harry Maguire and Joško Gvardiol.
While Fichajes is not widely regarded as the most reliable source, particularly when it comes to transfer fees and timelines, Liverpool’s admiration for Bastoni is understood to be genuine. Any suggestion of a January move at that price should be treated with caution, but a future transfer cannot be ruled out.
Sources close to the situation suggest that 2026 could prove decisive for the 26-year-old Italian international. Bastoni is settled and content at Inter, yet there is a growing sense that he may be open to testing himself outside Serie A while he is still at the peak of his powers. Liverpool are believed to be closely monitoring his circumstances, prepared to act should he indicate a willingness to seek a new challenge.
The competition for his signature would be intense. Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly tracking Bastoni, setting the stage for a high-profile battle among Europe’s elite clubs.
A move of this magnitude would further underline Liverpool’s aggressive and ambitious recruitment strategy in recent seasons. The club has already broken its transfer record twice in 2025 with the arrivals of Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, while also strengthening the squad with the signings of Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, and Milos Kerkez.
Elsewhere, Liverpool continue to be linked with a potential late move that could disrupt Manchester City’s pursuit of Antoine Semenyo. At the same time, efforts remain ongoing to secure Konaté’s long-term future amid concerns of another major departure following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. Club legend Steven Gerrard has since questioned that decision, pointing to areas Liverpool must address as they look to build sustainably for the years ahead
